REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  May  23, 2017
CATEGORY:  Consent - Public Works-7.

SUBJECT:

Waste Water Evaporators

Supervisorial District No. :  5

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Pat Minturn, Public Works Director, (530) 225-5661

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Pat Minturn, Public Works Director

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions for the Solid Waste Division: (1) Authorize the Department of Public Works to purchase three waste water evaporators from SMI Evaporative Solutions for a total cost not to exceed $200,000; and (2) waive the competitive procurement practices as required by Shasta County Code, Chapter 3.04.020, Revenue and Finance. 

SUMMARY

Three waste water evaporators are proposed to manage rainwater at county waste facilities.

DISCUSSION

The West Central Landfill and Anderson Septage Ponds receive local waste.  Rainwater falls onto the waste.  Both facilities are well equipped to manage rainwater through storage and evaporation. Additional storage ponds were added last year.  This wet season was exceptional.  Storage is approaching capacity.  Routine operations may not fully empty the storage before next winter.  If next winter is wet, capacity could be exceeded.  Floating evaporators are proposed to ensure adequate capacity for next winter.

The requirements for competitive procurement can be waived when there are “limitations on the source of supply, necessary restrictions in specifications, urgency to prevent loss of life or damage to property or other substantial reason for waiving competitive procurement practices exists.”  SCC §3.04.020.  The department requests that competitive procurement be waived in this situation because waste water evaporators are highly specialized. Staff identified two potential vendors.  Proposals were solicited from both firms. SMI Evaporative Solutions (SMI) was selected as the preferred vendor based upon suitability and technical performance.  The SMI units employ pumps and impellers to smash the water into mist.  Competing units rely upon nozzles which may clog.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board may decline to approve the purchase and direct staff to issue a formal competitive procurement.  Time is of the essence as there is a limited evaporation season.  Several million gallons need to be evaporated.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

City of Redding staff participated in review of the proposed evaporators for the landfill. Purchasing and the County Administrative Office have reviewed this recommendation.

FINANCING

Adequate resources are budgeted in the Adopted FY 2016/2017 Solid Waste budget.  There is no General Fund Impact.